The Tampa Tribune du lieu suivant : Tampa, Florida • 77

THE TAMPA TRIBUNE, Tuesday, March 1, 1983 5-HemandoCitrUS TODAY PREP BASEBALL GuK Coast Conference preseason tournament at Hernando (Hudson vs Pasco at 3 nrv. losers ol games 1 and 2 on Monday at 5:30. winners ol games 1 ond 2 on Monday at 8). Citrus at Lake Weir at 3 p.m., Crystal River at North Marion at 3:30 p.m. PREP SOFTBALL Sprlngstead at Zephyrhills at 3 30 Hernando at Academy of Holy Names at 3:30 Pasco at Lokelond Santa Fe, 4 p.m.; 3 30 pm; Hudson at Cirrus.

4 p.m. Soringsteod at Gulf at 3 p.m PRcP TENNIS Zeptiyrhills at Pasco, boys at 3 15 p.m.; Pasco at Zephyrtiills. girts at 3: 15 p.m.; Hudson at Crystal River, boys and girls at 3:30 p.m. PREP GOLF Pasco at Hudson. 3 30 pm; Sprlngstead at Gulf.

3:30 p.m.: Kathleen. Tarpon Springs at Zephyrhills. 3:15 Hudson at Clearwater Central Catholic. 4 p.m.; Crystal Rtver at Gainesville at 3 m. PREP TRACK Hudson at Tarpon Springs, boys ond girts at 3 p.m.

JUNIOR HIGH TRACK Zephyrhills at Ridgewood at 3:30 p.m.. Gulf ond Pasco at Parrott at 3:30 m. JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL Hudson at Gull. 3 30 pm TELEVISION 8 a.m. Sports Center, ESPN.

9 a.m. USfL Atlantic Division Preview. ESPN. 10 a m. Sports Center, ESPN.

11 a College Basketball Replay (AlabamaBirming horn vs. Old Dominion). ESPN. 1 p.m. People In Sports, ESPN.

1:30 p.m. Ski School. ESPN. 2 p.m. Cotege Basketball Replay (Pittsburgh vs.

ProvF dence), ESPN. 4 p.m. Top Rank Boxing, ESPN. 6:30 p.m. This Week The NBA.

ESPN 7 m. USfL Central Division Preview. ESPN. 7:30 p.m. Sports Center.

ESPN. 8 pm. College Basketball (Villanova vs. Syracuse), USA; NHL Hockey (New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins).

Channel 9-NY; Gymnastics (USGf Single Elimination Championships). ESPN. 9 pm College Basketball (Missouri vs. Kansas State). ESPN.

10 p.m. Snow SkHng (Pro Ski mtemotionoi Tour). USA. 11 m. Sports Center.

ESPN 11:30 m. College Basketbol Replay (Mississippi vs. Auburn). ESPN. 1:30 a.m.

This Week In The NBA. ESPN. 2 a.m. Sports Center, ESPN. Sports Sate RADIO None scheduled.

Hernando-Citrus Walt Riddle 2DG Floyd sees USFL as needed option for NFL players Photo by JEFF CAMP George Floyd, third from left, enjoys his visit with his family in Brooksville last week. From left are Diana Butts, Erica Butts, Lynn Floyd and Willie Butts. BROOKSVILLE If the United States Football League makes it, there will be more jobs available for players. This makes George Floyd very happy. The former Hernando High School standout, who completed his first year in the National Football League as a member of the New York Jets, was home last week, visiting family prior tq becoming a married man.

The big date is March 26 in Walton, Ky. George is marrying his college (Eastern Kentucky University) sweetheart, Cheryl Johnson. The couple will reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Floyd felt it was looking better and better for the USFL with the signing last week of Herschel Walker of the University of Georgia (with the New Jersey Generals) and Anthony Carter of the University of Michigan (with the Michigan Path-ers). "I would say the new league has signed at least five players who would be drafted in the first round by our league," said Floyd.

"Herschel made the right decision to sign with New Jersey. "I realize he had another year to go at Georgia, but what else could he have accomplished. He has done everything and won everything a player can. Anyone who would turn down that much money is crazy. "He will be playing in the Big Apple (metropolitan New York City area) where the advertising world is "A big difference in the pros is that you are on your own.

You better be there when you are told to be, or you get a plane ticket home. You get days off, which is a big help. My biggest problem was finding a place to live. That was the killer. "I didn't want to live uptown, so I finally did find an apartment out on Long Island near enough to our training facilities at Hofstra University (in Hempstead).

My wife will stay in Cincinnati once training starts because she has a good job with a bank there. I will live at the same place as last year." Following the off-season workout schedule presents no problem for Floyd. "I lift three days a week and run three days a week," he said. "Better to stay in shape all year than to have overdo it near the start of training season and end up getting hurt. I have never had a weight problem in the past, and I don't want one now." Reflecting back on the season, Floyd felt that playing six straight games on the road (three in regular season and three in playoffs) finally took its toll.

"We were underdogs all three playoff games against Cincinnati, Los Angeles (Raiders) and Miami," said Floyd. "Miami beat us three times, which proves, I guess they were the better team. "I felt we should have won the second game (against Miami, which won 20-19), but we didn't play well as a team in the playoff game. I was fortunate to make a great deal more money by being in the playoffs for Fisher officially resigns as Pasco basketball coach LOL knocks off Bulldogs; Watson hurls three-hitter and where the world will hear of him best through the media." Floyd, a two-time All-America at EKU, isn't entertaining any thoughts of jumping from the NFL, but realizes when his contract is up in two more years, he will have more bar-gining power if the USFL makes it. "I think all players have this now.

There will be no more take it or leave it, because there is another option now." As for the Jets' status, Floyd was very surprised when Jet head Coach Walt Michaels resigned last month. "He treated me very well, but I really didn't have that much dealings with him," said the 5-11, 188-pounder. The same holds true with new coach Joe Walton, who worked with the offense. "All the offensive coaches left, along with the defensive line coach, but my coach, Billy Baird, will be here next year, which should be a plus for me," said the fourth-round draft choice, who beat the odds of making it in the NFL. Baird met with Floyd the Monday following the Jets' 14-0 loss to Miami for the American Conference championship.

"He said he was sorry I didn't get to play that much, but I proved I could do the job when called on," said Floyd. "He told me to have a good and safe off-season and follow the off-season program." The local native played three full quarters in three of the Jets' 12 games this year. This included two regular season games and one play- had good control today and pitched a good game." Zephyrhills Coach Craig Milburn was disappointed with his team's defense. "We simply gave the game away. Our shortstop (Boettcher) committed three errors and it's hard to win with play like that.

"I thought we hit the ball harder than they did. But we hit the ball where they were." The loss drops the Bulldogs to 2-2, while the Gators are 1-2. Land O' Lakes will now play the winner of Monday night's scheduled Springstead-Tarpon Springs game tonight at 8. Zephyrhills will play the loser of the Springstead-Tarpon Springs game at 5:30 p.m. Also scheduled Monday was Hernando against Gulf.

The double-elimination tourney ends Friday night. The Leopards, meanwhile, went into Monday's game with a sweep against Ocala Vanguard Saturday. Hernando won the opener, 2-1, with two runs in the fourth and the 5-4 nightcap with a run in the bottom of the seventh. In the opener, senior righthander Bart Swindle kept Vanguard hitters off balance with an assortment of fastballs and sharp breaking curves. Swindle went the distance for the Leopards on a masterful one-hitter, raising his record to 2-0 for the young season.

In the nightcap, Hernando won in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the seventh. Smith reached on a walk. Kimbrough hit into a fielder's choice forcing Smith. Briggs jumped on an Art Brown fastball and drove three games. That really helps when one is a rookie.

"I have never played on a losing team. That includes junior high (Parrott), high school and college. Playing with a winner is more fun." Floyd said he was very happy to have graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. "Playing at a smaller college is different, because you do have to be on special teams," said Floyd. "I can thank Coach (Tom) Darby for getting me hooked up with Eastern.

He was my coach for three years in high school. "Also having him around for a couple of years in college helped me. You don't have to play at a national major college power to get noticed." now. I knew when I accepted the basketball job and decided to stay with football that after one year of dean-athletic director, head basketball and football that something would have to go. "Being dean from 6:30 to 2:30 is a full-time job in itself that not too many would wish on their worst enemy.

Add athletic director, which has become a full-time position, and also has a tremendous amount of paper work that has to be squeezed in during the day. "That and making sure that all athletic events in the afternoon and evening are covered really leaves little time and concentration for coaching a major sport. "It has come down to keeping my coaching positions and giving up athletic director and dean, or giving up coaching and concentrating on my future in administration here at Pasco. I have chosen the latter of the two choices." Fisher and Malone confirmed there was no pressure on Fisher to resign as basketball coach. "There was no pressure on him," said Malone.

"He told me back in the fall he was thinking of giving up coaching football. I told him, 'Why don't you wait until the end of the year and then we'll talk about Then during the middle of basketball he told me he was thinking of giving up coaching basketball and football." One of Fisher's duties will be to find a new boys basketball coach. He, along with Pasco High Assistant Principal Francine Robinson and Ted Raulerson, the vice-president of the school's advisory committee, are the members of the screening and search committee. They will decide the three finalists for the job and present the names to Malone. Malone said he then will decide who gets the job.

Malone, who said two people already have inquired about the job opening, will make his decision by June 15. Fisher said he will work with the new coach to regain some of the support from the Dade City community that the team was lacking this past season. off contest. "I was disappointed that I didn't play every game on all special teams," he said. "My goal next year is to be on both sides of the special teams in every game, returning some punts and kickoffs and seeing extensive duty.

"I got a chance to play in preseason which I appreciate. The atmosphere is so different in the pros from college. I met a lot of people who were better players, but didn't have the desire, or the willingness to play on special teams. "When I was down, I got some help from the veterans in helping me go over plays on paper and on the practice field. The Jets have been up front and honest with me the whole time.

Chuck Brant of Zephyrhills slides LOL pick-off attempt. it on one hop to the 380-foot sign, Kinbrough raced home from first base giving the Leopards a hard fOUght Victory. 198 Kearsey LIMITED Bell Next match against Crystal River is the this year. HERNANDO 1, 114 Burke 350; 132 McClendon 410; 165 Hall (H) (H) By MATT FOSTER Tribune Correspondent BROOKSVILLE The Land Lakes Gators downed Zephyrhills, 2-0, Monday afternoon in the opening game of the Gulf Coast Conference preseason baseball tournament, being played at Leopard Field. Land O' Lakes got both of its runs in the fifth inning as a result of Bulldog errors.

Gator shortstop Darrin Home led off the nning with a single and advanced to second on a bunt single by second baseman Mike Walls. After two outs, Home scored on an errant throw to third by Zephyrhills shortstop Craig Boettcher. Walls went to third on the play. Walls then scored on a passed ball charged to catcher Marty Wilson. Following the two miscues, the Gator rally was stopped when left fielder Tim Mischiara grounded out to third.

The Bulldogs threatened against Land O' Lakes pitcher Billy Watson only once. In the third inning with one out, second baseman Dave Sei-del reached on a single. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. After third baseman David Eiland fouled out to third, Marty Wilson drew a walk. The Bulldogs then pulled off a double steal.

However, the threat was snuffed when Todd Wheeler struck out. In claiming the Gators' first win, Watson hurled a three-hitter, striking out 10 while working four. "Billy has been a little erratic," Gator Coach John Benedetto said. "He has a good fastball but he hasn't been able to control his curve. He Tom Fisher cited a desire to devote more time to his administrative duties for his reason to step down as coach.

By RALPH DIAZ Tribune Sports Writer DADE CITY Tom Fisher, expressing a desire to devote more time to his administrative duties at Pasco High School, resigned Monday as head basketball coach and assistant football coach. "I am making the move to go into the direction of administration," Fisher said during an afternoon press conference at the school. "I'm not going to be in front stage anymore. I'm going to be in the background." Fisher stated that he will be in the background at Pasco High next year, and not in the foreground at Englewood Lemon Bay High. Fisher said he will not accept an offer to be an assistant football coach at Lemon Bay.

Fisher, who guided the Pirate boys basketball team to a disappointing 6-22 record during his first term as head coach, insisted the poor record had nothing to do with his decision. "I told Dr. Malone (Pasco Principal Wayne) two weeks ago that I would have given it up even if I had won the district last week," said Fisher. Fisher revealed the reasons for his resignation in a press release he distributed at the press conference. "Due to the conflict I have been having with working on getting my master's and the responsibilities I have here at Pasco, I feel it is time to choose which direction I want to take," said Fisher.

"Therefore, I am resigning from coaching any major sport here at Pasco and will not coach as long as I am dean and athletic director. "This decision is not the result of the just-finished basketball season. I have put off this move for two years Tribune photo by ROBBIE BEDELL safely back into first on a zephyrhim land lak" OOO0OO 0033 000020 2 5 0 Bront ond Wilson; Watson ond Carter. Records Zephyrhills 22, Land O' Lakes 12. championship Hernando weightlifters win Gulf Coast Conference for Hernando is March 2 at home River and Citrus at 3 p.m.

Crystal only team who has beaten the Leopards titles, but Moxley credited depth as the difference. "It's great to capture that many first places, but the seconds and thirds add up to give you the title," said Moxley. All winners were record-setters as it was the initial championship tournament. Those area lifters who left with conference championships included Jimmy Cowart of Pasco, Ricky McClendon of Land 0' Lakes, and Eddie Weston, Vernon Hall, James Kearsey, Carl Fagin and Greg Bell of Hernando. Tribune staff BROOKSVILLE Hernando won the initial Gulf Coast Conference weightlifting championship Saturday at the Leopard gym, defeating five other schools.

Coach Ben Moxley's charges piled up 70 points to cruise to victory over Pasco (45 points), Tarpon Springs (29), Springstead (18), Hudson (15) and Land 0' Lakes (11). The Leopards also won five of nine individual 70, PASCO 45, TARPON SPRINOS 29, SPRINGSTEAD HUDSON 15, LAND 0' LAKES 11 (TS) 150-135285; 123 Weston (H) 20O150 (LOL) 250155405; Anderson (TS) 220190 (H) 295245540; 181 Cowart (P) 245235500; 240250490; 220 Fogm (H) 330250580; UM 335235570. ,1 i i.